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A mum who was the victim of a road rage attack in which her teenage son was also hit says she is shocked after police told her they cannot prosecute.
Lindsey Martin had just returned from the school run to her home in Abbey Road, Gravesend, with her five children and stepson when she was punched in the face and knocked to the ground.
Ms Martin remonstrated with a motorist who she said had ignored a no-entry sign to speed into Abbey Road from Old Road East.
She claims violence erupted after she slammed her hand on the windscreen to warn the driver, only for him and his female passenger to attack her.
Ms Martin’s 13-year-old son, Brandon, was also struck on the face as he tried to help her. Her other children all witnessed the attack.
Despite suffering a broken finger, a cut lip (pictured left) and suspected hairline fracture to her jaw, the 34-year-old has been told by police that they cannot press charges as it is her word against her alleged attacker’s.
Ms Martin said: “Brandon was in his school uniform and was just trying to help me. His face was swollen and he was really shaken. All the kids were screaming.”
Ms Martin was told the driver had been traced. She said: “I’ve been told he said he was there but didn’t hit me or Brandon.
“The police have now said it’s my word against his because no witnesses will come forward. I just find it all shocking. I didn’t do these injuries to myself.”
The incident happened near the junction with Bellman Avenue at about 4pm on Wednesday, March 28. A driver and passenger were in a Renault Megane.
Ms Martin was helping her children out of her car when she saw the Megane, stood in the road and signalled at him to slow down.
“I know it was wrong, but I hit his windscreen,” she said. “That’s when I noticed the passenger. She was shouting 'let me out’ and had opened her door.”
The scene of the road rage incident
Ms Martin said the woman, who she recognised, came towards her. “I was holding her back when Brandon came to my side saying 'mum, mum’.
“The bloke then ran up and said: 'Do you want to start as well?’ and got hold of Brandon and pushed him away.
“He then swung over my arm and hit Brandon on the cheek. As he was lunging at Brandon I pushed him away and that’s when I think I broke my finger.”
The next thing Ms Martin could recall was pain in her face and finding herself on the ground.
She said: “As he hit me, she cracked me to the side of my face as well. It left an impression of my hoop earring in my neck.”
Both Ms Martin and her son were taken to hospital.
Kent Police have carried out a number of inquiries and would still like to speak to anyone who saw the alleged assault.
A spokesman said officers have spoken to the driver of the vehicle, and are trying to trace the woman who was in the passenger seat.
